September 3, 2024

America 250-Ohio Welcomes 4th Graders to 40+ Locations With Expanded History Pass

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 3, 2024

MEDIA CONTACT:
Fahlgren Mortine
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America 250-Ohio Welcomes 4th Graders to 40+ Locations With Expanded History Pass

COLUMBUS, OH – America 250-Ohio, the official state commission responsible for spearheading Ohio’s celebrations for America’s Semiquincentennial in 2026, welcomes Ohio’s new fourth-grade students back to the classroom and encourages them to take advantage of the expanded 4th Grade History Pass throughout the year. Since its launch in February 2024, the 4th Grade History Pass program has grown from 10 participating museums and attractions to more than 40, offering students a unique opportunity to explore Ohio’s rich history for free. Museums and historic sites opt-in to participate and new partners are welcome to join the program at any time.

“Since the 4th grade history pass launched, it has been downloaded by thousands of students across the state,” said Todd Kleismit, executive director of America 250-Ohio. “With more than 40 different locations to explore, we hope that even more families will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to learn about the people and places that make our state unique.”

This year, the history pass can be used at numerous new participating locations, including Canton Museum of Art, Adena Mansion and Gardens, Hancock Historical Museum and the John and Annie Glenn Museum. Additionally, museums that have been part of the pass since its launch, like the Cincinnati Museum Center, are offering new exhibits tailored for young learners. To use the pass, simply visit America250-Ohio.org/fourth-grade-pass, where there is an option to select a printed or digital version for download. Regular admission fees apply for accompanying family members, and passes are not valid for field trips or group visits. Other restrictions may apply. A comprehensive list of participating locations where the pass can be redeemed is available on the same webpage as the pass.

“We are thrilled to introduce these new locations and opportunities for Ohio’s fourth graders, and we are grateful for the enthusiastic participation of our partners,” said Doug Preisse, America 250-Ohio Commission Co-Chair. “The addition of several dozen museums and historical attractions highlights our commitment to making history accessible and relevant, and to showing students how history can provide valuable insight for the future.”

The Ohio Department of Education’s curriculum standards for fourth grade centers on the initial stages of Ohio and U.S. development. Students in this grade study the historical, geographical, governmental, and economic aspects of their state and nation. The foundational elements of U.S. history are introduced through the study of prehistoric Ohio cultures, early American life, the U.S. Constitution, and the evolution of Ohio and the United States. This educational journey helps students grasp the influence of historical ideas and events on the present-day shaping of Ohio and the United States.

Pass Restrictions: One pass per fourth-grade student per transaction for free general admission. Must be accompanied by paid adult general admission. The pass must be presented at the time of purchase, either as a digital version on a smartphone or a printed version. The program is for fourth-grade students for the 2024-2025 school year. The pass is valid through August 31, 2025. Each school year on September 1 the pass for the fourth-grade students of that school year will be available and valid through the following August. The program will end on December 31, 2026.

Visual Assets: Materials supporting the program and images from 4th Grade History Pass launch events throughout the state can be found here.

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About America 250-Ohio

In 2026, the United States will celebrate its semiquincentennial, which is the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Each state has been encouraged to create a celebration and commemoration of this anniversary to reflect the unique character and contributions of each state to the nation over the past 250 years. Ohio is fully embracing this opportunity. The Ohio Commission for the Semiquincentennial (aka America 250-Ohio Commission or AM250-OH) was created by the Ohio legislature and launched on March 1, 2022. The charge of the AM250-OH Commission is to “…to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the two hundred fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the United States and the impact of Ohioans on the nation’s past, present, and future.” — Ohio Revised Code (149.309). More information can be found at America250-Ohio.org.